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P0359 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

OBD Code P0359 - Ignition Coil “I” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

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This diagnostic fault code is a generic powertrain code, which means that it would apply to the OBD-II equipped vehicles. The specific repair steps can vary as it depends upon the vehicle make and model.


The P0359 fault code can be defined as Ignition Coil “I” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P0359

Willing to learn more about P0359 trouble code? It is the ignition system which would convert the battery voltage into the high voltage which is used to ignite the cylinder air/fuel mixture. The side of the system which provides low voltage is called the primary circuit. This would include the battery, ignition switch, primary coil winding, crankshaft sensor as well as ECU. On the other hand, the high voltage side of this system is known as secondary circuit. In the modern vehicles, it would include the coil pack as well as the spark plugs. The low primary circuit voltage is converted into the high secondary voltage with the help of coil pack which is needed to fire the plugs. The coil pack is generally a transformer which contains coils of wire inside it.


In the primary side there are hundred turns of wire while the secondary side has thousands. Current would be then applied to the primary side of the coil, which would thus create a magnetic field around the winding. The current is then interrupted with the help of a switching device which is generally the PCM. This would cause the magnetic field to collapse, inducing the voltage into the winding. Similarly, the collapsing magnetic field would create a voltage in the secondary winding. Since there are many more turns of wire in the secondary winding, then the output voltage would be increased to thousands of volts. This would be enough to ignite the spark plugs.


What causes this problem with the Ignition Coil “I” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction?


  • There can be short to voltage or ground on COP driver circuit
  • Defects in the powertrain control module
  • Some quirks in the spark plugs or plug wiring
  • There can be a build-up of carbon in the throttle body air passages
  • Issue of open on COP driver circuit
  • There can be open or short in the coil wiring harness
  • Electrical connection might be poor
  • There can be failed or failing ECU
  • Defaults in the ignition coil 9
  • Leakage in the intake manifold vacuum
  • Ignition coil 9 harness might be opened or shorted
  • Loose connection at coil or broken connector locks
  • The coil can be bad
  • The ignition coil might be faulty
  • The idle air control valve or electronic body might turn out to be faulty
  • There can be poor electrical connection in the ignition coil 9 circuit

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P0359

  1. Ignition Coil - Defective car Ignition Coil can be a major reason why P0359 code depicts. So, make sure to replace it online so that you don’t have to face any further issues.
  2. Powertrain Control Module - Everything is okay with the Ignition Coil and still OBD code P0359 triggering? Then there must be some defects in Powertrain Control Module. Replace them as soon as possible.
  3. Engine Control Module - P0359 code flashing? Get your Engine Control Module inspected from a mechanic.
  4. Fuel Ignition System - If everything is alright with Engine Control Module, then there is surely some defect in Fuel Ignition System parts. Get it replaced before the situation gets worse.
  5. Engine Wiring Connector - P0359 code can display due to some issues in the Engine Wiring Connector. So, it is very important to replace the Engine Wiring Connector with us at equitable prices.
  6. Spark Plug - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car Spark Plug checked up? A dirty Spark Plug can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0359 code.
  7. Electronic Control Unit - Poor Electronic Control Unit can cause a lot of difficulties, so why not get it replaced at time?
  8. Throttle Body - Are there some faults in your Throttle Body? Don’t waste time and get them replaced or else P0359 code can turn up.

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P0359

You might be thinking that how would you diagnose these problems? We at Parts Avatar Canada would help you diagnose the major symptoms easily.


Common Symptoms


  • There can be lack of power in the engine, especially under heavy load
  • Car engine may idle roughly
  • Issue of engine hesitation
  • The malfunction indicator lamp can come into view
  • Engine might misfire on acceleration
  • There can be hard to start condition of the engine

How To Correct P0359 Ignition Coil “I” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

The repairs which you will have to do to correct this fault code are simply straightforward; you can surely pinpoint the necessary repairs on the basis of your diagnosis. Have a look at some common fixes:


  • If you find out that there are some defects in the wiring harness, then it should be repaired or replaced as per the need
  • Make sure that you replace the spark plugs and spark plug wiring
  • The faulty ignition coil should be replaced
  • Carefully repair the electrical connection fault
  • The damaged ECU should be replaced


There is no need to get strained if your OBD Code is still flashing up as we are here at your service. Have a look at our superior variety of fusion, wiring diagram, battery connectors, fuse and many more. Now all your problems would vanish within no time.

Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P0359

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:


First of all, you must verify the code with a handheld OBD II scanner. The technician should clear the code and test drive the vehicle, checking if the code resets, as well as for consistent or intermittent misfires. If you find out that the misfire is not constant, the mechanic should inspect the wiring and connector to the ignition coil properly.


This problem can be caused due to a loose connection or damaged wire. If the misfire is constant, the mechanic should check for signal to the affected coil using a scope to see the signal’s visual pattern. Alternatively, a voltmeter can be used to verify that the reading for the coil is between 5 and 20. If so, the coil is most likely faulty. If not, then there is a short somewhere in the wiring that must be located and repaired. The faulty or failed coils are the most common culprits in this issue.


Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0359 Code


The technicians might report the maintenance tune ups frequently to correct this fault code. It doesn’t mean that the tune up was overdue, but there might be a need to perform a thorough diagnosis so that the exact malfunction can be pinpointed.

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P0359

P0350 - Ignition Coil Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0351 - Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0352 - Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0353 - Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0354 - Ignition Coil D Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0355 - Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0356 - Ignition Coil F Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0357 - Ignition Coil G Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0358 - Ignition Coil H Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0360 - Ignition Coil J Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0361 - Ignition Coil K Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0362 - Ignition Coil L Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction